Beihang University (also known as BUAA) was founded in 1952, with the merger of the aeronautical departments from eight top Chinese universities. With this it became the first university focused on aeronautics and astronautics in China and was recognized as one of China’s 16 key universities. From that time on the government of China has made support of Beihang University a priority. The university is currently a member of a very select group of top Chinese universities supported by the National “Double World Class” Project, which aims to develop world-class universities in China. Since its foundation, Beihang has developed into a leading research university in terms of the quality of its teaching programs, research undertaken at the university and the attainment of its scholars. The university currently has about 2,000 faculty members, including over 500 full professors. Among them are 23 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. In recent years, Beihang has concentrated on building up a truly international faculty body and has attracted a significant number of top international academics and scientists who work as full-time or visiting professors of the university.